See? I'm still writing this. Just less time to do so.
___________________________________________
Part Fourteen: Dare I Risk This?
Listening to the story, De Brabant closed his eyes, expression grim. It was true with his kind of vampire as well that a victim's emotion augmented the enjoyment of a meal. For a while, he had even kept women in a cavern below his ancestral castle as food, slowly draining each one. At the time, he had considered it a necessity in order to take care of his mortal sister's son. Then, he hadn't thought twice about the women themselves. Now he wished he could go back in time and erase each death--each cry of terror and unwanted passion. Small wonder that Wizardmon felt uncomfortable around him if his digital counterpart had committed the same attrocities upon the wizard and this feline he cared so deeply for.
Story finished, Nicholas sat down heavily on the roof, understanding softening his voice to a near whisper. "I see... When you found out about my being a vampire as well.."
The digimon nodded, keeping his eyes averted as he explained his reasoning. He was feeling a bit abashed again. However, this jumping from uncertainty to uncertainty was getting on his nerves! If only Nick was more clearly Vaccine or Viral! But, no.. he was..
Data-ish.
Wizardmon almost winced at the thought. Was he being hypocritical? Didn't he yet have difficulty in changing his old ways despite his vows? It was still so hard to truly trust someone else. To let them get close.
"I did not know what to do. Are you as you seem? Or are you masking yourself from me as I was concealing my presence from you up there?" he pointed with his staff to where they had hovered. "If you are an enemy, then you are a danger to me. If a friend, then I am a danger to you. Going my own way seemed the best thing to do for us both. Except I ran into a problem with the native people and had to reveal myself to protect another." He sighed with resignation. "So much of your world is confusing to me---including yourself. And I have failed to keep my uniqueness unknown to others as you suggested and am now hunted as was warned." The tip of the staff swung around to indicate where several uniformed cops were looking in store windows and dark corners, flashlight beams darting from place to place. "They search for me, don't they, those blue ones? Are they your Enforcers that Lacroix spoke of? Shall I give myself up to them for deletion as it is obvious that I am unable to fit into your world?"
Nicholas shook his head. "If those had been my kind, we'd likely both be fighting for our lives right now."
The vampire frowned, thinking about how his father would react to the news of his death should that happen. Would he go on a rampage and take it out on his mortal friends? Should he just move on like LaCroix said for their own protection? He knew he was hardly a safe person to know---both directly and indirectly. And yet Nicholas felt that to leave them would be to condemn himself to a darkness of the soul as well as the night, for humanity was surely of the Light--the way back to his salvation. He was lost to the Beast without their brightness to illuminate his path.
Or was his presence--his Beast's Darkness---merely threatening to snuff out the Light around him, flame by individual flame?
Decisions, choices, so much at stake--literally--if he chose wrong!
Ah, but here he was again: choosing the wrong time and place to wallow in such thoughts.
Bad habit.
De Brabant forced his mind to center again on their immediate surroundings.
"Don't worry, they're only human policemen," the Toronton explained to his companion. "Right now you're not wanted for being a monster, but for witnessing a crime." He let out a breath and swept out a hand to indicate the twinkling lights of the city. "You're right---the world can be a very bewildering place to find yourself a stranger in as it is. Add to that the twilight existence of my kin and its no wonder you wanted to leave." Nicholas looked over at the digimon. "I'll understand if you don't want to, but if you're still willing to trust me enough, I'd like to help you as I can. Even explain all that stuff you saw on the television." He gave a friendly grin. "Or try to anyway. I don't know if anyone in their right mind can truly explain the fascination with Chi Chi pets or grown men using colored paint to cover their bald spots."
"Those were exceptionally odd," Wizardmon frowned as he recalled the infomercial. "What if it rained and the 'hair' ran down his back?" He reached back to bring the tied end of his own mane to his eyes. "Would it be considered a ponytail?"
Nicholas laughed at that mental image; a warm, inviting sound. The digimon felt himself relax instead of tense up as he would have done at such a sudden exclamation by his own world's vampires. The laugh was not the egotistical 'superior' one of Myotismon, or the sinister cackling of Demidevimon, but a pure expression of enjoyment.
It was that good-natured laugh that cemented his decision. He stood ramrod straight as if addressing a commander.
"I will follow your direction, Nick," Wizardmon's eyes smiled back even though his mouth remained hidden. What should I do?"
"Ah.." De Brabant cleared his throat. "Well, right now, we'll have to 'give you up' and go to the precinct. Too many people gave an accurate description of your appearance so there's no sense in trying to hide you anymore. But we still need a believable way to explain your looks and time being short, I've thought up an admittedly wild-sounding cover story for you." He smirked, "Sometimes showing one side of the truth works better than an outright lie." He looked looked critically at his companion, figuring how best to explain the digimon's appearance beyond what he had already said to Schanke. This was really going to stretch his powers of persuasion! "Well, a few of the details still need work; however.. listen up--"
Puzzled by the directive but willing, the tips of the digimon's pale ears popped forward and tilted themselves heavenwards. Hissing, Nick rather pointedly used the palms of both hands to flatten them back under the dark gold hair.
"For goodness sake---keep those ears of yours under wraps! Those are one of the things I haven't yet fig.." His mouth twisted into a lopsided smile as he felt the inhuman ears against his palms and he gave a chuckle. Of course! Toronto was an eclectic city: many people came to live her from all over the globe. "On second thought.. Here's your new identity. You're not only 'Wizardmon', an immigrant midget, you're originally from... Scandinavia.. where you performed magic tricks for public entertainment You've adopted the character of a mute troll as your alias." At Wizardmon's quizzical expression (man, he was getting to know how to read those eyes pretty good!), Nicholas gave a brief description of trolls and their importance in Norwegian folk culture.
The jade eyes squinted worriedly. "But I am plainly Sky powered, not Underground as these troll digimon of yours," Wizardmon reminded him.
"I doubt anybody here will be able to tell the difference," Nicholas said dryly. "And please don't call people or animals 'digimon'. Humans won't know what you are referring to and we don't want to have to get into long explanations, okay? No sense complicating things even more."
"Yes, Nick."
"That's another thing. Being mute means you don't talk around others, so keep quiet unless we are alone like we are now. Use body language instead. I'll say that we know each other well, that you only feel comfortable dealing with me. As the old saying goes, the less you open your mouth, the less likely you are to put your foot in it!"
Wizardmon lifted one of his booted feet a little, his brow furrowed in thought. He looked around to check that they were still alone before asking, "Does that sort of contortion happen a lot to humans?"
"Unfortunately, yes. And to overly hasty vampires as well," Nicholas grimaced.
"Then I will refrain from asking anything and be as 'mute' as you say, though I do not see how I will learn very fast by listening only and not being able to ask questions of others."
Giving the wizard a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Nicholas grinned. "Once I teach you to read books and websites, you'll have more information than you'll know what to do with." (By gum, Lacroix could just go and choke on his dire warnings---this was going to work!) "Tonight, you were on your way back from a potential magic gig when you stopped at the vendor's to get something to eat. Any questions about the job itself I can routed through my friend, Aristotle." He rubbed his chin as he thought of what else the digimon would be needing. "You need a fake document trail in case anyone decides to check. And I'll need to talk to Merlin about getting you proper identity papers too."
Blue eyes became puzzled as he took out the crinkled bill he'd found in the alley. "But speaking of the vendor and that 'problem' you ran into... where did you come by so much Canadian money?" He showed the money to Wizardmon.
Wizardmon silently leaned over and held out his outstreched hands to the alley he'd led the humans to. A yellow glow surrounded them. From the alley floor, trash suddenly shifted as dozens of smashed paper figures leapt up into the air to gather about the gloves. It looked like the wizard was holding a glowing sphere of large fireflies, but De Brabant noted that each 'fly' seemed to be made from what looked like five-dollar denominations. Curious, he plucked one from out of the swarm and smoothed it out. The bill appeared to be as the genuine article except for one thing. Frowning, he pulled out another. As before, it sported the identical serial numbers to the one he had found earlier. Not to mention the fact that both were gradually faded into nothingness before his very eyes. So were all the others.
It was a good thing he was already acquainted with the supernatural or Patterson and Charlie wouldn't be the only ones seriously spooked by all of this.
"Wizardmon," he said gravely, "I don't know how you did it, but you can't just make your own money. It's called counterfeiting and its a felony---an evil act," he clarified before the Data could ask. Nicholas gave the digimon a very stern look. "Promise me this will not happen again?"
The wizard's eyes widened. "I am truly sorry, Nick," he replied humbly, chastened and mortified that he, despite his vows, he had done somthing 'viral'. "I.. was only hungry."
The vampire sighed. He could hardly rebuke the guy for needing to eat---especially when he had left him with no food in the loft. Wizardmon didn't even know what money was, let alone the laws that governed trading with it. A cloud of melancholy settled over the vampire. Merde! No wonder none of his surviving fledglings wanted anything to do with him! Never mind Lacroix's breathing down their necks---he, himself, was a detriment to their survival. If someday he ever realized his dream of becoming human again, would his mortal children fare any better? Was he a lousy vampire parent or just a lousy parent in general? The question made him uneasy. Here he was turned eight centuries, and to have to admit that LaCroix might be right about his being too immature to be left on his own?
Nasty thought, that. How his master would crow over him; twist his admission and use it to bind him to his side for centuries more. Not acceptable.
*..be easier to step into the sunlight..*
"Yeah... um..well, I guess that was my fault for not sending for some groceries for you." Nicholas conceded guiltily. "Can you forgive me?"
*Remorse*
There was that uncomfortable feeling surrounding him again, Wizardmon thought as he caught snatches of the vampire's thoughts amidst the feelings.
This vampire held such strong regret and sadness! The Data felt bad for him. He wanted... Nick to feel better. Bios---he needed him to feel better. Why was that? Why was he concerned about this one's welfare despite all his doubts and fears?
Because it was becoming crystal clear to him that he was somehow tied to the vampire. The unbalanced feeling. The draw to stay close by. He'd felt something the like before--he'd just hadn't wanted to admit it to himself.
Gatomon.
This was akin to the way he felt around the Champion when she'd first thrown him for a loop by not demanding payment for helping him:
*I'm sorry. I don't have anything for you.*
*I don't want anything.*
She'd insisted that many others felt the same way about giving without receiving something in return, but he had never quite brought himself to believe that. She was just naive about the ways and workings of the world, he'd told himself. His experiences with such digimon as Devimon, Etemon, the Gazimon and so many others showed how selfish digimon really were. It was easier to believe that the cat was simply different. More special than any other and that was why she had saved his life. So he had gone on as before---only with the exception of allowing Gatomon within his personal sphere as he devoted to her the only thing he did have to give: himself. And hadn't that belief been born out when they'd discovered she was the the digimon of the much sought after eighth Destined child?
Proof to her friend that Gatomon was kinder because she was created to be so by the System in order to save Digital World.
But now?
It seemed she might have been right. There were others who would accept him as he was; who thought nothing of giving without demanding recompense. He'd just somehow managed to miss all but Gatomon on his travels.
Wizardmon nodded solemnly, "Yes, Nick. I will forgive you if.." No. No more 'ifs'. "I do forgive you. Will you forgive me and..?" He hesitated, suddenly nervous. Since escaping the clutchs of his master he'd dared to do what he was contemplating with only Gatomon. She had enriched his life tremendously---even if helping her had caused his deletion by Myotismon. Was lightning striking twice in his life? Or was he deluding himself? Who wanted to befriend a 'glitch'?
*You must be very lonely to say something like that.*
He hadn't acknowledged her insightful statement back then, but Gatomon had been correct in saying that. He'd been lonely for such a long time that it had become second nature to keep others at arms length. Push them away before they could do the pushing--or try to use him for their own ends.
'Bios! I'm procrastinating. I'm actually afraid that he will say no.'
The wizard swallowed thickly, mouth dry. If he was going to do this he'd better do it before he passed out and wouldn't that make a lovely impression on Nick: Hey, all these digimon ever do is faint!
"Wizardmon?" De Brabant asked worriedly. "Are you sure that knife didn't damage you? You look kind of pale. Not, mind, that I can easily tell what passes for normal for you.."
The digimon gulped, sweating. "Can I--? I mean--I would like to.. call you.." he took a deep breath before telefocusing the last word aloud, "friend."
"Friend?" the vampire repeated in surprise, not having expected that.
'Here it comes--' Wizardmon tensed up, preparing himelf for the ridicule. 'Wizardmon, you are an idiot!'
"Friend.." Nicholas started to grin, then sensed that this was not just a simple request for comaradarie, but something much more meaningful to the digimon. Was the wizard actually trembling? He looked like he expected to receive a blow to the gut!
Maybe he did.
De Brabant thought back to his own reservations about starting new relationships. Vampires didn't form many ties beyond their own kind. It just wasn't very feasible what with the need to uphold the Code and the Beast's desire to dine on the mortal. Even he, who desired to become a man, had to be careful. And then there were the other, family considerations beyond the law and his own nature.
Specificaly, Lacoix.
Dared he accept another friendship? Most ended in disaster or regret either because they were killed or he simply outlived them all. The Ancient would not be happy, but then, his father was already displeased and Wizardmon could handle LaCroix better than a mortal could.
"Friend. I can't think of a better nickname I'd rather have," he solemnly thought aloud. "It would be an honor to have you as my friend." He extended his hand to the Data.
Wizardmon stared at the hand for a moment. The vampire's appendage was not poised to strike nor did it hold some instrument of pain. His mouth wasn't fixed in a mocking leer. He wasn't thinking on using his power for personal gain or betraying him to Evil.
No.. this Earther cared about him because of who he was and not what he was.
And more amazing..
He, himself, truly cared about the other's well being. And not for Gatomon's sake only as he had been concerned about the Digi-Destined humans and their chosen digimon; nor because Nick could be useful to himself or to her in any way that would help save the digicat.
Not even because he felt Gatomon would wish it.
But because he truly, honestly, within his own heart---was fond of this vampire!
Under the cowl, the digimon's smile was huge as a great swelling of warmth spread through him. By the System--- He'd done it! He'd actually come to care for a second being in a totally unselfish way! Gatomon would be so proud of him!
Laughing, he took hold of the offered hand and pumped it vigorously. "Friend!"
He had two friends! Two!
From a distance, fiery eyes watched the pair happily cling to one another in mutual happiness.
This would not do at all.
__________________________________
___________________________________________
Part Fourteen: Dare I Risk This?
Listening to the story, De Brabant closed his eyes, expression grim. It was true with his kind of vampire as well that a victim's emotion augmented the enjoyment of a meal. For a while, he had even kept women in a cavern below his ancestral castle as food, slowly draining each one. At the time, he had considered it a necessity in order to take care of his mortal sister's son. Then, he hadn't thought twice about the women themselves. Now he wished he could go back in time and erase each death--each cry of terror and unwanted passion. Small wonder that Wizardmon felt uncomfortable around him if his digital counterpart had committed the same attrocities upon the wizard and this feline he cared so deeply for.
Story finished, Nicholas sat down heavily on the roof, understanding softening his voice to a near whisper. "I see... When you found out about my being a vampire as well.."
The digimon nodded, keeping his eyes averted as he explained his reasoning. He was feeling a bit abashed again. However, this jumping from uncertainty to uncertainty was getting on his nerves! If only Nick was more clearly Vaccine or Viral! But, no.. he was..
Data-ish.
Wizardmon almost winced at the thought. Was he being hypocritical? Didn't he yet have difficulty in changing his old ways despite his vows? It was still so hard to truly trust someone else. To let them get close.
"I did not know what to do. Are you as you seem? Or are you masking yourself from me as I was concealing my presence from you up there?" he pointed with his staff to where they had hovered. "If you are an enemy, then you are a danger to me. If a friend, then I am a danger to you. Going my own way seemed the best thing to do for us both. Except I ran into a problem with the native people and had to reveal myself to protect another." He sighed with resignation. "So much of your world is confusing to me---including yourself. And I have failed to keep my uniqueness unknown to others as you suggested and am now hunted as was warned." The tip of the staff swung around to indicate where several uniformed cops were looking in store windows and dark corners, flashlight beams darting from place to place. "They search for me, don't they, those blue ones? Are they your Enforcers that Lacroix spoke of? Shall I give myself up to them for deletion as it is obvious that I am unable to fit into your world?"
Nicholas shook his head. "If those had been my kind, we'd likely both be fighting for our lives right now."
The vampire frowned, thinking about how his father would react to the news of his death should that happen. Would he go on a rampage and take it out on his mortal friends? Should he just move on like LaCroix said for their own protection? He knew he was hardly a safe person to know---both directly and indirectly. And yet Nicholas felt that to leave them would be to condemn himself to a darkness of the soul as well as the night, for humanity was surely of the Light--the way back to his salvation. He was lost to the Beast without their brightness to illuminate his path.
Or was his presence--his Beast's Darkness---merely threatening to snuff out the Light around him, flame by individual flame?
Decisions, choices, so much at stake--literally--if he chose wrong!
Ah, but here he was again: choosing the wrong time and place to wallow in such thoughts.
Bad habit.
De Brabant forced his mind to center again on their immediate surroundings.
"Don't worry, they're only human policemen," the Toronton explained to his companion. "Right now you're not wanted for being a monster, but for witnessing a crime." He let out a breath and swept out a hand to indicate the twinkling lights of the city. "You're right---the world can be a very bewildering place to find yourself a stranger in as it is. Add to that the twilight existence of my kin and its no wonder you wanted to leave." Nicholas looked over at the digimon. "I'll understand if you don't want to, but if you're still willing to trust me enough, I'd like to help you as I can. Even explain all that stuff you saw on the television." He gave a friendly grin. "Or try to anyway. I don't know if anyone in their right mind can truly explain the fascination with Chi Chi pets or grown men using colored paint to cover their bald spots."
"Those were exceptionally odd," Wizardmon frowned as he recalled the infomercial. "What if it rained and the 'hair' ran down his back?" He reached back to bring the tied end of his own mane to his eyes. "Would it be considered a ponytail?"
Nicholas laughed at that mental image; a warm, inviting sound. The digimon felt himself relax instead of tense up as he would have done at such a sudden exclamation by his own world's vampires. The laugh was not the egotistical 'superior' one of Myotismon, or the sinister cackling of Demidevimon, but a pure expression of enjoyment.
It was that good-natured laugh that cemented his decision. He stood ramrod straight as if addressing a commander.
"I will follow your direction, Nick," Wizardmon's eyes smiled back even though his mouth remained hidden. What should I do?"
"Ah.." De Brabant cleared his throat. "Well, right now, we'll have to 'give you up' and go to the precinct. Too many people gave an accurate description of your appearance so there's no sense in trying to hide you anymore. But we still need a believable way to explain your looks and time being short, I've thought up an admittedly wild-sounding cover story for you." He smirked, "Sometimes showing one side of the truth works better than an outright lie." He looked looked critically at his companion, figuring how best to explain the digimon's appearance beyond what he had already said to Schanke. This was really going to stretch his powers of persuasion! "Well, a few of the details still need work; however.. listen up--"
Puzzled by the directive but willing, the tips of the digimon's pale ears popped forward and tilted themselves heavenwards. Hissing, Nick rather pointedly used the palms of both hands to flatten them back under the dark gold hair.
"For goodness sake---keep those ears of yours under wraps! Those are one of the things I haven't yet fig.." His mouth twisted into a lopsided smile as he felt the inhuman ears against his palms and he gave a chuckle. Of course! Toronto was an eclectic city: many people came to live her from all over the globe. "On second thought.. Here's your new identity. You're not only 'Wizardmon', an immigrant midget, you're originally from... Scandinavia.. where you performed magic tricks for public entertainment You've adopted the character of a mute troll as your alias." At Wizardmon's quizzical expression (man, he was getting to know how to read those eyes pretty good!), Nicholas gave a brief description of trolls and their importance in Norwegian folk culture.
The jade eyes squinted worriedly. "But I am plainly Sky powered, not Underground as these troll digimon of yours," Wizardmon reminded him.
"I doubt anybody here will be able to tell the difference," Nicholas said dryly. "And please don't call people or animals 'digimon'. Humans won't know what you are referring to and we don't want to have to get into long explanations, okay? No sense complicating things even more."
"Yes, Nick."
"That's another thing. Being mute means you don't talk around others, so keep quiet unless we are alone like we are now. Use body language instead. I'll say that we know each other well, that you only feel comfortable dealing with me. As the old saying goes, the less you open your mouth, the less likely you are to put your foot in it!"
Wizardmon lifted one of his booted feet a little, his brow furrowed in thought. He looked around to check that they were still alone before asking, "Does that sort of contortion happen a lot to humans?"
"Unfortunately, yes. And to overly hasty vampires as well," Nicholas grimaced.
"Then I will refrain from asking anything and be as 'mute' as you say, though I do not see how I will learn very fast by listening only and not being able to ask questions of others."
Giving the wizard a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Nicholas grinned. "Once I teach you to read books and websites, you'll have more information than you'll know what to do with." (By gum, Lacroix could just go and choke on his dire warnings---this was going to work!) "Tonight, you were on your way back from a potential magic gig when you stopped at the vendor's to get something to eat. Any questions about the job itself I can routed through my friend, Aristotle." He rubbed his chin as he thought of what else the digimon would be needing. "You need a fake document trail in case anyone decides to check. And I'll need to talk to Merlin about getting you proper identity papers too."
Blue eyes became puzzled as he took out the crinkled bill he'd found in the alley. "But speaking of the vendor and that 'problem' you ran into... where did you come by so much Canadian money?" He showed the money to Wizardmon.
Wizardmon silently leaned over and held out his outstreched hands to the alley he'd led the humans to. A yellow glow surrounded them. From the alley floor, trash suddenly shifted as dozens of smashed paper figures leapt up into the air to gather about the gloves. It looked like the wizard was holding a glowing sphere of large fireflies, but De Brabant noted that each 'fly' seemed to be made from what looked like five-dollar denominations. Curious, he plucked one from out of the swarm and smoothed it out. The bill appeared to be as the genuine article except for one thing. Frowning, he pulled out another. As before, it sported the identical serial numbers to the one he had found earlier. Not to mention the fact that both were gradually faded into nothingness before his very eyes. So were all the others.
It was a good thing he was already acquainted with the supernatural or Patterson and Charlie wouldn't be the only ones seriously spooked by all of this.
"Wizardmon," he said gravely, "I don't know how you did it, but you can't just make your own money. It's called counterfeiting and its a felony---an evil act," he clarified before the Data could ask. Nicholas gave the digimon a very stern look. "Promise me this will not happen again?"
The wizard's eyes widened. "I am truly sorry, Nick," he replied humbly, chastened and mortified that he, despite his vows, he had done somthing 'viral'. "I.. was only hungry."
The vampire sighed. He could hardly rebuke the guy for needing to eat---especially when he had left him with no food in the loft. Wizardmon didn't even know what money was, let alone the laws that governed trading with it. A cloud of melancholy settled over the vampire. Merde! No wonder none of his surviving fledglings wanted anything to do with him! Never mind Lacroix's breathing down their necks---he, himself, was a detriment to their survival. If someday he ever realized his dream of becoming human again, would his mortal children fare any better? Was he a lousy vampire parent or just a lousy parent in general? The question made him uneasy. Here he was turned eight centuries, and to have to admit that LaCroix might be right about his being too immature to be left on his own?
Nasty thought, that. How his master would crow over him; twist his admission and use it to bind him to his side for centuries more. Not acceptable.
*..be easier to step into the sunlight..*
"Yeah... um..well, I guess that was my fault for not sending for some groceries for you." Nicholas conceded guiltily. "Can you forgive me?"
*Remorse*
There was that uncomfortable feeling surrounding him again, Wizardmon thought as he caught snatches of the vampire's thoughts amidst the feelings.
This vampire held such strong regret and sadness! The Data felt bad for him. He wanted... Nick to feel better. Bios---he needed him to feel better. Why was that? Why was he concerned about this one's welfare despite all his doubts and fears?
Because it was becoming crystal clear to him that he was somehow tied to the vampire. The unbalanced feeling. The draw to stay close by. He'd felt something the like before--he'd just hadn't wanted to admit it to himself.
Gatomon.
This was akin to the way he felt around the Champion when she'd first thrown him for a loop by not demanding payment for helping him:
*I'm sorry. I don't have anything for you.*
*I don't want anything.*
She'd insisted that many others felt the same way about giving without receiving something in return, but he had never quite brought himself to believe that. She was just naive about the ways and workings of the world, he'd told himself. His experiences with such digimon as Devimon, Etemon, the Gazimon and so many others showed how selfish digimon really were. It was easier to believe that the cat was simply different. More special than any other and that was why she had saved his life. So he had gone on as before---only with the exception of allowing Gatomon within his personal sphere as he devoted to her the only thing he did have to give: himself. And hadn't that belief been born out when they'd discovered she was the the digimon of the much sought after eighth Destined child?
Proof to her friend that Gatomon was kinder because she was created to be so by the System in order to save Digital World.
But now?
It seemed she might have been right. There were others who would accept him as he was; who thought nothing of giving without demanding recompense. He'd just somehow managed to miss all but Gatomon on his travels.
Wizardmon nodded solemnly, "Yes, Nick. I will forgive you if.." No. No more 'ifs'. "I do forgive you. Will you forgive me and..?" He hesitated, suddenly nervous. Since escaping the clutchs of his master he'd dared to do what he was contemplating with only Gatomon. She had enriched his life tremendously---even if helping her had caused his deletion by Myotismon. Was lightning striking twice in his life? Or was he deluding himself? Who wanted to befriend a 'glitch'?
*You must be very lonely to say something like that.*
He hadn't acknowledged her insightful statement back then, but Gatomon had been correct in saying that. He'd been lonely for such a long time that it had become second nature to keep others at arms length. Push them away before they could do the pushing--or try to use him for their own ends.
'Bios! I'm procrastinating. I'm actually afraid that he will say no.'
The wizard swallowed thickly, mouth dry. If he was going to do this he'd better do it before he passed out and wouldn't that make a lovely impression on Nick: Hey, all these digimon ever do is faint!
"Wizardmon?" De Brabant asked worriedly. "Are you sure that knife didn't damage you? You look kind of pale. Not, mind, that I can easily tell what passes for normal for you.."
The digimon gulped, sweating. "Can I--? I mean--I would like to.. call you.." he took a deep breath before telefocusing the last word aloud, "friend."
"Friend?" the vampire repeated in surprise, not having expected that.
'Here it comes--' Wizardmon tensed up, preparing himelf for the ridicule. 'Wizardmon, you are an idiot!'
"Friend.." Nicholas started to grin, then sensed that this was not just a simple request for comaradarie, but something much more meaningful to the digimon. Was the wizard actually trembling? He looked like he expected to receive a blow to the gut!
Maybe he did.
De Brabant thought back to his own reservations about starting new relationships. Vampires didn't form many ties beyond their own kind. It just wasn't very feasible what with the need to uphold the Code and the Beast's desire to dine on the mortal. Even he, who desired to become a man, had to be careful. And then there were the other, family considerations beyond the law and his own nature.
Specificaly, Lacoix.
Dared he accept another friendship? Most ended in disaster or regret either because they were killed or he simply outlived them all. The Ancient would not be happy, but then, his father was already displeased and Wizardmon could handle LaCroix better than a mortal could.
"Friend. I can't think of a better nickname I'd rather have," he solemnly thought aloud. "It would be an honor to have you as my friend." He extended his hand to the Data.
Wizardmon stared at the hand for a moment. The vampire's appendage was not poised to strike nor did it hold some instrument of pain. His mouth wasn't fixed in a mocking leer. He wasn't thinking on using his power for personal gain or betraying him to Evil.
No.. this Earther cared about him because of who he was and not what he was.
And more amazing..
He, himself, truly cared about the other's well being. And not for Gatomon's sake only as he had been concerned about the Digi-Destined humans and their chosen digimon; nor because Nick could be useful to himself or to her in any way that would help save the digicat.
Not even because he felt Gatomon would wish it.
But because he truly, honestly, within his own heart---was fond of this vampire!
Under the cowl, the digimon's smile was huge as a great swelling of warmth spread through him. By the System--- He'd done it! He'd actually come to care for a second being in a totally unselfish way! Gatomon would be so proud of him!
Laughing, he took hold of the offered hand and pumped it vigorously. "Friend!"
He had two friends! Two!
From a distance, fiery eyes watched the pair happily cling to one another in mutual happiness.
This would not do at all.
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